Understated Tigers' mature rookie comes of age

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RICHMOND midfielder Kane Lambert is one of those rookie-list success stories that shows talent, and not age, should be the determining factor in establishing an AFL career.

While he doesn't grab the headlines of Dustin Martin, Alex Rance or Jack Riewoldt, Lambert's contribution to the Tigers is an under-rated part of why they suddenly find themselves in the top four.

In just his 41st game, the 25-year-old had a career-high 33 possessions (including 12 contested) for the Tigers in their rousing 13-point victory over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.All the details from Port Adelaide v Richmond

Lambert also laid a team-high 10 tackles and was level with ruckman Toby Nankervis for leading the side for clearances with six.

"It felt like a high-running game, they're very good in the contest so we had to try and match them there and then try to exploit them on the outside," Lambert told AFL.com.au.

Lambert arrived at the Tigers as the 46th overall pick in the 2014 rookie draft after pressing his claims in the VFL with the Northern Bullants and Williamstown.

After 28 games in his first two seasons, he's established himself in the side this year, missing only the round one win against Carlton.

The Tigers had winners across the park, especially in the second half when they booted eight goals to three.

All-Australian defender Rance shook off the attention of Jackson Trengove, who was shadowing him all night as a defensive forward, to have an impact.

"It's credit to Rancey, as a fullback getting tagged, but his second half was fantastic," Lambert said.

"He's a superstar of the game and sides are going to do that to him.

"But I thought he was well assisted by David Astbury and Dylan Grimes back there as well."

Lambert also had praise for the performance of Martin, who picked up a team-high 36 disposals and booted a key goal in the third quarter.